BJP, Left parties flay Budget

The BJP and the Left parties on Monday criticised the Union Budget while the UPA's former ally RJD said Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had ignored the needs of Bihar.

"The government has failed to fulfil the people's expectations. No new measures or initiatives have been announced to pull the economy out of the slump. Also, the farmers were expecting a better deal," said BJP president Rajnath Singh.

BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu described the Budget as "escapist". "The government has run out of ideas. There is no relief for farmers. No steps have been taken to attract investment," he said.

CPM leader Brinda Karat said the Budget was pro-rich. "There have been no major allocations in health, education and food subsidy," she said.

CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta said the Budget does not address the economic slowdown and unemployment. "The economic growth projected is utopian. We had expected that NREGA would be extended to urban areas as well. The allocation for the health sector is too little," Dasgupta said.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad said the Budget was balanced but the Centre had ignored the need for reconstruction of Bihar following the Kosi floods. "We demanded funds and special status for Bihar but nothing has been done about that," Lalu said.

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